Strategies for Sustainable and Inclusive Outdoor Wayfinding in Healthcare Facilities: An Approach to Enhance User Experience at Kafr Alsheikh University Hospital, Egypt

Outdoor wayfinding plays a critical role in shaping user experience in healthcare environments, where inadequate navigation can heighten stress and hinder timely access to care. Despite the presence of wayfinding systems in many hospitals, outdoor navigation remains underexamined and inconsistently addressed in design guidelines. This study fills this gap by investigating architectural strategies to enhance outdoor wayfinding and reduce user stress. The research focuses on Kafrelsheikh University Hospital in Egypt and applies a twophase methodology: (1) a comprehensive literature review to identify current principles, guidelines, and best practices in outdoor wayfinding, and (2) an on-site case study to assess existing conditions, document deficiencies, and formulate targeted interventions. Field observations revealed major shortcomings, including missing directional signage, poor visibility, and unregulated parking, and insufficient spatial cues— deviations from IHFG, NHS, and GAHAR standards. Based on these findings, the study proposes an inclusive and sustainable outdoor wayfinding model integrating clear signage, hierarchical navigation systems, accessible pedestrian routes, and supportive landscape elements. The recommendations aim to improve navigational clarity, reduce user stress, and enhance overall user experience and healthcare delivery. These recommendations are applicable to similar contexts in Egypt and the Middle East.